Lebusa the new kid on the block

PSL / 22 November 2012, 12:49pm

Rodney Reiners

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 16, Mosa Lebusa (5) for Ajax during the Absa Premiership match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Ajax Cape Town at Free State Stadium on September 16, 2012 in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Photo by Charle Lombard / Gallo Images

Cape Town – Ajax Cape Town always bear the brunt of criticism for losing their best players and then the club has to start all over again. This is another such season, which is why the Cape club is currently languishing near the basement of the PSL log.

But, as CEO George Comitis is quick to point out, it’s not always that easy to hold on to players, especially if their minds are already made up.

Thulani Serero had the opportunity of a lifetime to play for Ajax Amsterdam. Why would they want to jeopardise the player’s dream?

Clayton Daniels, Franklin Cale, George Maluleka and Terror Fanteni were all determined to move. Should the club say ‘no’ and then have an unhappy player in the squad?

The Ajax philosophy, rather, is to allow players to pursue lucrative career moves, because the club knows that – through their impressive youth academy – there is always new talent coming through.

At left-back, Brett Evans was long the incumbent before Aidan Jenniker stepped into the position. Now, there is a new name in the left-back jersey for Ajax – Mosa Lebusa.

Lebusa turned 20 last month, but already he’s looking as if he has played in the first team for years, such is the maturity with which he has performed.

From Welkom in the Free State, Lebusa was scouted by Ajax while playing for an amateur team in his local township. He was asked to come to Cape Town for a trial and he has never looked back.

He was 16 when drafted into the Ajax academy and has quickly made his way into the PSL team.

On Friday night, when Ajax host neighbours Chippa United in a derby at Cape Town Stadium (kick-off 8pm), Lebusa will again be tasked with patrolling the left side of defence.

“It’s tough in the PSL,” said Lebusa. “It has been hard work getting here, but it’s what I have always dreamed of.

“Now, my aim is just to do my job to the best of my ability and to contribute to the success of the team.”

Lebusa is particularly wary of tomorrow’s match against Ajax’s neighbours.

“Chippa have improved, so they will be confident and motivated,” he said. “It will be interesting, especially because both teams are desperate for points at the moment.

“At Ajax, our biggest problem has been converting the many scoring chances we create. Hopefully, we can get it right tomorrow.” – Cape Argus